Astron fuelling next edition of Herald Cycle Tour

FUELLED TO THE BRIM: The Herald welcomes Astron Energy as the new co-title sponsors of the 2025 edition of The Herald Cycle Tour. Getting ready for the February event are, from left, Tanya Jackson (Mountain Events), Sithsaba Xhala (Eyona Energy retail and marketing general manager), Matshepo Ramokolo (Eyona Energy sales and marketing coordinator), Berna Ulay-Walters (The Herald marketing manager) and Julie Briggs (race director). Image: Werner Hills

Having The Herald Cycle Tour fuelled by Astron Energy is an incredible chance to engage and promote health, energy and resilience to various communities.

This is according to Sithsaba Xhala, retail and marketing general manager of Eyona Energy, which is the authorised franchiser of the Astron Energy fuel brands in the Eastern Cape.

The 39th edition takes place over two action-packed weekends, starting with a return to the trails of the Addo Polo Club for the mountain bike races on February 9.

The road events take place at Pollok Beach in Gqeberha on February 15 and 16.

With options for the whole family, the Tour, which traditionally attracts about 3 000 participants and 8 000 spectators, is a celebration of cycling and the city.

Xhala said the event reflected their dedication to supporting local programmes that promoted active living and raised environmental awareness.

“It also marks a milestone in our efforts to forge stronger connections with South Africans and, in particular, Eastern Cape communities and show our dedication to making a positive effect beyond providing fuel.”

Given Astron’s strong belief in innovation, community engagement and sustainability, Xhala said The Herald Cycle Tour aligned with the brand’s values of environmental responsibility and a healthy, active lifestyle.

“We aspire to do more than just sell fuel — our goal is to be SA’s largest fuel brand that actively gives back to the communities we operate in,” he said.

“Our partnership with The Herald Cycle Tour demonstrates our dedication to this vision by building local connections, promoting healthy lifestyles and increasing our brand’s effect in the Eastern Cape.

“We hope our involvement will help foster a greater appreciation for cycling, both as a sport and a sustainable mode of transportation.”

Furthermore, Xhala hoped that their partnership would be of great benefit to the local economy by showing off the region to encourage tourism and community pride.

The Herald’s marketing manager, Berna Ulay-Walters, was thrilled to announce the partnership as Astron Energy’s commitment to excellence and community upliftment perfectly aligned with the spirit of The Herald Cycle Tour.

“The synergy between Astron Energy and The Herald exemplifies a forward-thinking approach encompassing a shared vision for a healthier and more vibrant community,” she said.

“We are excited about the possibilities this partnership brings and extend our heartfelt gratitude to the team at Astron Energy for partnering with us on this incredible journey.”

The 80km Extreme is the feature event on the off-road programme, which also offers the 60km Adventure, 30km Leisure, 5km Family Ride and 500m Toddlers’ Dash races.

The following Sunday’s road programme is headlined by the 106km Classic for various racing categories and complemented by the 55km Adventure for age-groups and tandems. The 2km Kiddies’ Ride and 500m Toddlers’ Dash take place on the Saturday.

Riders tackling both feature races can enter the Ultimate Quest.

The race village will offer picnic zones, a family tent, beer garden, children’s play park, live entertainment and Standard Bank’s VIP lounges.

Besides Astron, the event has drawn support from a wide range of businesses, including top-tier sponsor Glenryck.

Other partners include the Sarah Baartman District Municipality, Eastern Cape Motors Group, Standard Bank, Powerade, Town Lodge Group, Relay EMS, Talisman Hire & K&W Amusements, Trek and Cyclo Pro, Thule, Wayne Pheiffer Cycles, Coimbra, Goshawk and Omega Security.

Entrants can support the Helmet Heroes initiative, which was introduced in 2022.

It is aimed at educating and providing protection for those who live on the race route and commute by bicycle. Organisers have increased the target number of helmets earmarked for distribution.

Entries opened on November 6 and close at midday on February 3. To enter and for further information, visit www.heraldcycletour.co.za.

Other queries can be directed to Ulay-Walters at ulayb@theherald.co.za.